Newsletter 11

21st November 2013

Dear Parents

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD WHO IS DUE TO START SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 2014? (DOB between 01/09/2009 - 31/08/2010)

If so, you need to apply for a school place before the closing date of 15th January 2014.

For further information you can view the “Starting School–A Guide For Parents” booklet and apply on line at: or you can request a paper application from Somerset Direct on 0845 4564038.

Please be aware, even if you currently have a sibling at this school, you MUST still make an application, failure to do so may result in your younger child not getting a place at this school.

Christmas Gift Shop Monday 2nd December

At Hemington we are always striving to try new things and this is another new idea that will help our children understand and appreciate the act of giving. It will only be possible to organise with help from willing parents and generous donations from parents and staff.

The gift shop works as follows

- Children come to the shop to buy gifts for their family for Christmas. These are wrapped and labelled for them, ready to take home at the end of the day.

- All presents will cost £1 and children will be allowed to spend a maximum of £5, ie 5 presents.

- The shop relies completely on donations from staff and parents. Small donations should be something your family members would like to receive, such as unused toiletries, stationery, toys etc. we especially need gift suitable for men!

- The donations can be put in the Christmas Gift Shop box in the office.

- We would also be grateful of donations of wrapping paper and gift tags.

- The shop will be open for one day only, Monday 2nd December

- On the day, children should bring their shopping money in an envelope marked with their name, and the name of the family members for whom they are buying for.

On the day, I will need a band of willing helpers to help run the shop for the children, and then to wrap presents, so if you are able to spare a couple of hours, please let me know.

I have found that the children thoroughly enjoy the experience particularly enjoy the opportunity to select and buy presents for their family members, and remember exactly what they have bought from previous years. From Jo Finch.

Mill on the Brue

Our year 5 and 6 children had an amazing time at this outdoor activity centre in Bruton, with activities galore and a great opportunity to work together whilst enjoying each others' company.

All the children learnt something about themselves, their friends and their teachers! More information abouttheir residential trip and photos to follow. Mrs Finch and Mrs Dixon would like to say a huge thank you to the children for making their time away (in the words of Kieran) just awesome!

We have a small selection of clothes that were left after the trip. If you think your child left something behind there is a bag in the office.

Crazy Clothes Day

After hearing about the devastation of the PhilippinesTyphoon one of our year 3 children suggested raising money for the appeal and had the idea of a mufti day. On Friday 29th November children and staff are asked to come to school in the craziest outfit they can think of and donate £1 for the appeal.

Snow Closure

If you experienced any problems with the test ‘Snow Patrol’ on Tuesday morning and haven’t already told us about them please let us know by the end of this week.

In future as well as using the ‘Snow Patrol’ there will also be a message on the school website and the Somerset County Council website.

School Website

The school website has now been updated and will be kept up to date on a weekly basis.

Christmas Party

Food order forms for the Christmas Party will be emailed this week to those parents who have booked already. If you haven’t booked it’s not too late and order forms are available from the office.

The completed order forms and balance due need to be returned by Thursday 28th November.

Village Cinema

We will be showing “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (cert 12 - due to moderate violence) at the village cinema on Friday 13th December at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along to this free event and refreshments are available to buy.

Second Hand Uniform Sale

We are holding a second hand uniform sale on Monday 25th November after school and if you have any out grown uniform you would like to donate please bring it to the office by Monday morning.

Yours sincerely

S G Heath

Headteacher

Hemington Primary School